Anat Cell Biol.  2022 Dec;55(4):501-503. 10.5115/acb.22.084.

Terminal bifurcation of the external jugular vein: a rare variation

• Nayak SB
• Vasudeva SK

• KMID: 2537470
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5115/acb.22.084

Abstract

Variations of external jugular vein are common. Here, we present a rare terminal bifurcation of the left external jugular vein. The left external jugular vein was formed by the union of entire retromandibular vein and posterior auricular vein. One inch above the clavicle, it bifurcated into medial and lateral divisions. The medial division terminated into the internal jugular vein and the lateral division terminated into the subclavian vein. Medial division received a common vein formed by the union of anterior jugular vein and an anonymous vein lying under the sternocleidomastoid muscle. The lateral division received a common vein formed by the union of suprascapular and transverse cervical veins. The knowledge about this variation could be useful to head and neck surgeons, radiologists and plastic surgeons.

Keyword

Jugular vein; Venous; Subclavian vein; Phlebography

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 Dissection of the left side of the neck showing the variation of the EJV. EJV, external jugular vein; RMV, retromandibular vein; PAV, posterior auricular vein; MD, medial division of the terminal part of the retromandibular vein; LD, lateral division of the terminal part of the retromandibular vein; FV, facial vein; PG, parotid gland; SCM, sternocleidomastoid; AJV, anterior jugular vein; AV, anonymous vein deep to sternocleidomastoid; IJV, internal jugular vein; OH, inferior belly of omohyoid; A, anterior; P, posterior; S, superior; I, inferior.

• 

  Fig. 2 Dissection of the left side of the neck showing the termination of the EJV. EJV, external jugular vein; MD, medial division of the terminal part of the retromandibular vein; LD, lateral division of the terminal part of the retromandibular vein; CV, common vein formed by the union of suprascapular and transverse cervical veins; SCM, sternocleidomastoid; AV, anonymous vein deep to sternocleidomastoid; IJV, internal jugular vein; OH, inferior belly of omohyoid; SCV, supraclavicular vein; M, medial; S, superior; L, lateral; I, inferior.

Reference

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